A seed ball is when different seeds are rolled within a clay lump. Usually, volcanic pyroclastic red clay is used and hummus or compost is added to enhance its quality. To increase the strength of the ball, cotton-fibre or liquefied paper is mixed so that it does not break during sowing by throwing.
Under unfavourable circumstances such as rugged topography, inaccessibility, or sparse population, the seed balls come in handy. An area that needs plants but lacks skilled labourers and funds for reforestation, may resort to aerial seeding. The process can boost the production of forest products such as pulp, fuelwood, and food. The seed balls must fall on mineral soil directly for it to germinate.
Even though they are tiny, seed balls are a mini-ecosystem in itself. They protect the seeds from birds and ants while giving them the necessary nutrition to grow. The reason why seed balls are gaining popularity is it requires no expertise in the field of gardening. A ball has around a hundred seeds, a combination of different species that thrive in various conditions so it will give you results. This technique of seed propagation works best if the soil is not too dry or is dense with other plants. The ancient method ensures the growth of wildflowers, as their seeds germinate with difficulty.
